Mohit Sharma

Mohit Sharma, a right-arm medium-fast bowler who plays for Haryana came into limelight in the 2012/2013 Ranji season after he finished as the fifth highest wicket-taker. Working diligently with Ian Pont, the world-renowned bowling coach, Sharma bagged 37 wickets in just 8 games in that season.

His consistent run in the domestic circuit impressed the Chennai Super Kings as they signed him for the 2013 edition of the IPL. Chennai bowling coach Andy Bichel shortlisted him after a one-day bowling camp in January.

Soon he got a maiden call-up to the national side for the Zimbabwe ODI series in July 2013. It was a dream debut as he was adjudged the Man of the Match in his first game for economical figures of 2/26 in 10 overs. Mohit was later named in the ODI squads for the home series against West Indies and the tour South Africa.

He was back in the domestic circuit when not on national tour before the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh. He made his T20I debut against Australia and also featured in the semi-final and the final of the tournament.

In the 2014 IPL auctions, Chennai bought him back for 2 crores after being released into the auctions pool.

Mohit Sharma received a lucky call-up to the 2015 World Cup squad after Ishant Sharma was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. He impressed everyone with his disciplined bowling skills. He picked up 13 scalps in the tournament and supported Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav admirably. He played a few more games till the end of the year, but was not recalled again for national duty.

IPL through the years

Sharma was a hit in his debut IPL season (2013) picking up 20 wickets in 15 matches and finished as their second best bowler in that season. He set the IPL on fire as an useful new ball bowler providing early breakthroughs. His smooth delivery stride and ability to bowl a tight line and length impressed everyone. He was one of the top Powerplay bowlers in the tournament.

He bettered his show next season topped the bowling charts for CSK with 23 wickets in the season, his career-best thus far. He continued to be a regular member of the side in 2015 and moved to Kings XI Punjab in 2016 as CSK faced a two-year ban. His time at KXIP wasn't as fruitful as CSK, so the franchise decided to released him ahead of the 2019 auction, where CSK bought him back. As his career progressed, Mohit developed the ability to bowl yorkers and a variety of slower balls.

by Sonali Dhulap